Together We Lead, Serve, and Empower
TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association is a Refugee-Led Organization (RLO) established by and for refugees with disabilities. Our leadership reflects the voices, experiences, and aspirations of the community we serve.
TESFA’s governance is based on democratic participation. The General Assembly, composed of registered members of the Association, is the highest decision-making body. It elects the Board of Directors, who serve as trusted representatives of the members and provide strategic leadership, accountability, and oversight.
Unlike operational staff, the Board of Directors is not selected primarily for academic qualifications or professional backgrounds. Instead, members elect leaders whom they trust—individuals who have demonstrated commitment, integrity, compassion, and a genuine understanding of the realities faced by refugees with disabilities. Many of our Board members have lived through displacement and acquired disabilities as a result of conflict or war. Their shared experiences enable them to represent the interests of the community with empathy, dignity, and determination.
The day-to-day management of TESFA is entrusted to the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Operational Management team, who are responsible for implementing the Association’s programmes, managing resources, coordinating partnerships, and delivering services in accordance with the strategic direction set by the Board.
Together, the Board of Directors and Operational Management work hand in hand to build an inclusive, accountable, and sustainable organization that promotes the rights, wellbeing, and empowerment of refugees with disabilities.
Our Leadership Structure
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the supreme governing body of TESFA, composed of all registered members. It provides overall direction, approves major policies, elects the Board of Directors, and safeguards the Association’s mission, vision, and values.
Main Responsibilities
- Elect the Board of Directors
- Approve organizational policies
- Approve strategic plans
- Approve annual budgets
- Review annual reports
- Amend the constitution
- Promote accountability
Name: General Assembly
Position: General Assembly
Description: The First General Assembly marked a historic milestone in the establishment of TESFA Refugees with Disabilities Association. The meeting brought together 127 founding participants to approve the Association’s foundation, adopt key governing documents, and lay the groundwork for its governance and future development.
📍 Venue: Capital Hotel, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
📅 Date: December 2022
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the Association. It ensures that TESFA remains accountable to its members while fulfilling its mission, vision, and legal responsibilities.
Operational Management
The Operational Management team is responsible for the day-to-day administration, programme implementation, financial management, partnerships, communication, and organizational development of TESFA under the leadership of the Chief Executive Officer.
Together, the Board of Directors and Operational Management ensure that TESFA delivers effective, transparent, and inclusive services that improve the lives of refugees with disabilities.
Governance Relationship
- General Assembly is the highest decision-making body and elects the
- Board of Directors.
The Board of Directors provides governance, strategic direction, policy oversight, and accountability. - The CEO is appointed by and reports to the Board of Directors (through the President).
- The Department Heads report to the CEO and are responsible for the day-to-day implementation of TESFA’s programmes and operations.
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